Dear Editor,
I electronically pen this letter in my capacity as a health professional, with work spanning two continents and six decades, and with profound connection to the place of my birth, enshrined in a long standing commitment to safe, evidence-based nursing education and patient care.
Patient safety cannot be jeopardized by scaling up nursing education. Guyana is at a turning point in the evolution of its healthcare system. An important commitment to bolstering the country’s workforce is demonstrated by the announcement of a new hybrid nursing programme which was created in collaboration with the World Health Organization and backed by regional training collaboration in Brazil. It is past time and imperative that the number of nurses be increased. However there are significant questions regarding patient safety, clinical supervision and educational quality given that 800 Registered Nurses are expected to graduate in a single cycle.
Nursing is a practice profession. Whether taught in a classroom or online using resources like Coursera theory alone is not enough to develop competence. It evolves over time with careful evaluation, frequent clinical exposure, close supervision and structured mentoring. Strong curricula are necessary for these components, but so are enough teacher’s preceptors and clinical placements. Programme expansion that outpaces the systems supporting it poses real risks. Graduates who lack the depth and self-assurance necessary for safe practice are joining the workforce. Patients ultimately pay the price. 11 maternal deaths were reported in Guyana in 2025. This sobering reality serves as a reminder that building a more robust health workforce requires careful planning rather than rushing. Systemic problems cannot be resolved by more nurses alone, only clinically competent well-prepared nurses can.
New or redesigned nursing programmes usually scale gradually around the world. Prior to growth smaller cohorts, enable assessment modification and reinforcement of teaching capabilities. This maintains the reputation of the profession, while safeguarding patients’ teachers and students alike. The foundation of public trust in nursing is the belief that graduates are prepared to provide care, conduct assessments and behave safely. Without clear safeguards, rapid expansion runs the risk of eroding that trust. This time demands transparency and responsibility. The general public should be made clear on: Oversight by regulations and accreditation; ratios between students and teachers; ability to place in a clinical setting and systems for faculty and tutors who have just received training.
While expanding the workforce is a national priority, quality cannot be compromised. The safety of patients, the readiness of nurses and the long-term viability of Guyana’s healthcare system should all be considered when evaluating the programme’s success, and not just the quantity of graduates. Guyana can create a workforce that is not only bigger but also more resilient. This necessitates careful preparation, gradual expansion and a steadfast dedication to nursing education excellence. Conclusively, I offer these reflections in the spirit of professional responsibility and deep concern for the health and safety of the people of Guyana.